FIT Has Talent


One of my favorite end-of-year traditions is the UCE of FIT talent show. Filled with laughter and high spirits, it brings together the entire community around an event that is nothing but fun. The performers represent every corner of the college: staff, administration, and faculty. And what talent! It is truly moving to see the range of talent at FIT—and the heartfelt performances.

This year’s show played to a large and uber responsive audience in the Haft Auditorium and featured song, dance and poetry—as well as a moment of silence in commemoration of World AIDS Day.

For those who could not get there, let me provide a quick rundown of the acts:

Michael Zervos, from media services, and Susan Grassi, from financial aid, in full 1950’s regalia, served as “Master and Mistress of Ceremonies,” and took us back to 1978 as they channeled John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in a sing-along from Grease.

Carol Leven, from Communications and External Relations, accompanied on piano by Vice President for Academic Affairs Jack Oliva, presented a pair of American songbook classics: “They Can’t Take that Away From Me” and “Autumn Leaves.”

Bass guitarist Dan Cooper, from Film, Media, and Performing Arts, and his non-FIT quartet, played his own composition, “I Can’t Wait,” followed by lead guitarist Mark Lesseraux, from Art and Design, and back-up guitarist Lasse Savola, from Science and Math, with an “in memoriam” medley of songs by the late David Bowie, Prince, and Leonard Cohen.

David Lawton, from International Student Services, read two of his own poems.

He was followed by three colleagues from Receiving—Donnell Parson, Wilfredo Ingram and Garnet Barracks—each of whom first sang solo and then, as a trio, turned in a stirring version of “Feliz Navidad.”

Shalaia Craddock, from Direct and Interactive Marketing, brought down the house with her a cappella version of “Orange Colored Sky.”

Finally, the entire Staff Committee of the UCE—plus the performers—closed the show with another Grease sing-along, to a great round of applause. Here’s a video clip from the finale that might get you singing also!

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